Gilligan earns the plaudits after 'great ride' on Nettuno Italia Danny Gilligan earned the plaudits, as he guided the well-backed Nettuno Italia to victory in the Core Bullion Traders Handicap Chase. Available at 10/1 in early shows for this extended two-mile five-furlong heat, the Ross O'Sullivan-trained six-year-old was eventually returned the 9/4 favourite. Owned and bred by John Place and getting in as first reserve, the bay victor raced in mid-division, before taking closer order in fifth from three out. Coming with his challenge on the inner before the last and soon improving into a share of the lead, Gilligan became unbalanced when his saddle slipped on the run-in. Despite this, the Galway native cajoled his mount into an outright lead close home and ultimately beat John Flavin's Aclass (8/1) by a neck. There was further four-lengths back to Sammy Smart (6/1) in third. "The saddle slipped and Danny was lucky to stay on," O'Sullivan reflected. "He is kind of a long and narrow horse. We even have those non-slip girths and things on him, but he is just that shape. Even at home it's hard to keep a saddle on him riding out. "I'm delighted for his owner, John Place, who bred him. He is from Rathcoole and is away in Spain at the minute. He was humming and hawing about coming home, as he was first reserve. He decided to leave it. "It looked like he wasn't going to get in but I got a phone call from Davy Fitzgerald (trainer of non-runner General Clermont), so he got in and it worked out great. "He wants a bit of soft ground and maybe we are coming to the end of getting away with that. "The track probably wasn't ideal for him. He is a big horse and would prefer a galloping track, but the forecast is for dry weather next week and then there is nothing for him at Punchestown. The next minute you could get into very dry territory, so it was lovely to win with him today. "He'll make a grand three-mile chaser and he has a good attitude. He is owned by a good man and we've had good luck with him over the years. "He got a great ride by Danny, as always, he is unreal." STEWARDS REPORT The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving Aclass, ridden by Jordan Canavan, and Nettuno Italia, ridden by D.J Gilligan where it appeared Aclass caused interference to Nettuno Italia. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Jordan Canavan said he was making his way towards the rail when he spotted a horses head on his inside at which point he straightened up and went about trying to win his race. D.J. Gilligan said he saw a gap down the inside and had the horse to get into it. He added he received some interference on the run to the last. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Jordan Canavan was in breach of R214 in that he had ridden improperly and having considered his clean record, the Raceday Stewards suspended him for seven racedays.
